The estimated population at July 1999 was 3,662,250 and is now around 3.8 million. New Zealand's population consists of approximately 77% European (mainly British descent), 13.8% Maori, 3.8% Pacific Islanders, 5.4% Asian and others.
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth.

LANGUAGE &AMP; EDUCATION

The official language is English. The Maori language - Maoritanga' is also widely spoken. Maoritanga is related to Tahitian and Hawaiian.

RELIGION

The main religions practiced in New Zealand include Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Baptist.